M I S S O U R I
State Champion Trees
M I S S O U R I
D E P A R T M E N T
O F
C O N S E R V A T I O N
B I G
T R E E S
There is something about a big tree that commands interest, respect and a certain amount of awe.
Trees are the largest and oldest living organisms. Giant sequoias attain a height of 300 feet and a base
diameter of 30 feet.
Missouri has no giant sequoias, but we did at one time register a baldcypress
that was 39 feet in circumference, or 12.5 feet in diameter.
How big is big? American Forests and the Missouri
Department of Conservation use a formula to assess a point
value for big trees. Points are determined by a tree’s
height, crown spread and trunk size. The formula
adds the circumference in inches (measured at a
point 4.5 feet above the ground) to the height in
feet to one-fourth of the average crown spread.
Based on this formula, one of the largest known
living trees in Missouri is a baldcypress with
a point total of 466. One of the trees with the
largest circumference is an eastern cottonwood at
28 feet 4 inches. One of the tallest trees on record
a shumard oak with a height of 150 feet.
Everyone is invited to join the search
for Missouri’s champion trees. There are
many unreported giants just waiting to be
discovered. All trees that are nominated and
are within 10 points of the champion are filed as
contenders. Frequently, champion trees blow over in storms, fall victim
to disease or old age, or are simply cut down. When a mishap occurs, the
largest contender of that species on file becomes the new champion.
The owner and nominator of each champion will receive a certificate mounted on
a walnut plaque and all the bragging rights associated with finding or owning
a champion tree. If two or more trees are within four points of each other, they
will be co-champions.
For
the current list of champion trees, go to: mdc.mo.gov/294
1
Measuring for the Champion Tree Program
Measuring Height
Height is the distance between the base and the
topmost branch of the tree. A simple method of
measuring tree height is done in the following
manner: Make a target which is a known height
(5 feet works well when measuring tall trees). You
also will need a yardstick, into which you have cut
a fine notch at each inch mark.
Y A R D S T I C K
Place the target against the tree, making sure
that it will be visible as you walk away from it to
measure. Be sure the target is vertical or your
reading will not be true. Holding the yardstick
vertically, back up from the tree to the point where
the 5-foot target fills exactly 1 inch on the yardstick.
Now, without moving the yardstick, sight from the base of the tree to the top of the tree. Note the number
of inches on the yardstick filled by the tree. Each inch is equal to 5 feet. If the tree occupied 18 inches
on the ruler, then 18 x 5 feet = 90 feet, the height of the tree. Be sure to take measurements from several
points around the tree and use an average of measurements for the height.
Measuring Crown Spread
Crown Spread can be measured by setting
a stake directly under the outside edge of
the crown farthest from the trunk (A) and
another directly opposite it at the outer edge
of the crown (B) on a line passing through
the center of the tree. Next, set stakes
marking the shortest diameter of the crown
passing through the center of the tree (C and
D). Measure both diameters to the nearest
foot with a tape measure. Add the two
measurements together and divide the sum
by two to obtain the average crown spread.
D
B
A
C
A
B
Measuring Circumference
Circumference is measured at 4.5 feet above the
ground. If a growth or branch is located at this
point, measure below it where the circumference is
least. If the tree forks below 4.5 feet or looks like two
trees grown together, consult the instructions on the
following pages.
To measure the circumference, locate a point at 4.5
feet above the ground on the trunk and place the zero
end of the tape there. Wrap the tape around the trunk
tightly, without sagging, so that it exactly meets the
zero end of the tape. The circumference is read in feet
and inches.
2
4.5 F E E T
Z E R O
P O I N T
Z E R O
P O I N T
W R O N G
W A Y
R I G H T
W A Y
Tips for Accurate Circumference Measurement – Single Stemmed Trees
Single stemmed trees clearly have one solid trunk, or stem, which can easily be measured at 4.5 feet
above the ground. If the tree is growing on a hill or slope, stand at mid-slope and measure the tree from
there.
To get the most accurate measurement, wrap the tape around the trunk tightly, without sagging, so that
it exactly meets the zero end of the tape. The circumference is read in feet and inches.
center of tree
measure circumference here
4.5 feet above
ground
(original
growth point)
3
Tips for Accurate Circumference Measurement – Two Trees Grown Together
Two trees grown together can be considered for the champion tree program, but the circumference
measurement must follow specific guidelines set forth by the national program. To determine if your big
tree is actually two trees grown together, picture a line running down the center of each trunk into the
ground. If the lines from each trunk meet before they hit the ground, you have a “multi-stemmed” tree
(check out the instructions on the next page). If the lines never meet, you have two trees grown together.
Only measure the circumference, height and crown spread of the largest stem. You may need to do some
calculations to get an accurate number.
center of smaller tree(s)
center of largest tree
measure circumference of
largest stem here
(may need to be calculated)
4.5 feet above
ground
(original
growth point)
4
Tips for Accurate Circumference Measurement – Multi-stemmed Trees
Multi-stemmed trees appear to branch out fairly low to the ground, and it may not be possible to get
an accurate circumference measurement at 4.5 feet above the ground. First, confirm that your tree is a
multi-stemmed tree and not just multiple trees grown together. Picture a line running down the center
of each tree stem into the ground. If the lines from each stem meet before they hit the ground, you have
a “multi-stemmed” tree. If the lines never meet, you have two or more trees grown together. Measure the
circumference at the narrowest point below where the tree branches fork. If the tree forks below 4.5 feet,
measure at the narrowest point.
center of tree
center of
tree stem
4.5 feet above
ground
(original
growth point)
measure circumference at
narrowest point between
stem and ground
5
F00024
3/2016
mdc.mo.gov
Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the Missouri Department of Conservation is available to all individuals without regard to their race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
Questions should be directed to the Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102, (573) 751-4115 (voice) or 800-735-2966 (TTY), or to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Federal
Assistance, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop: MBSP-4020, Arlington, VA 22203.